County Gray Bar Menu

AMES, Iowa – Kaye Strohbehn has been hired as an agriculture producer and consumer education specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in northwestern Iowa. Strohbehn began serving Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola and Sioux counties Nov. 5 as education specialist after serving the region as an extension county program coordinator.

“My primary role as education specialist will be to educate producers and the general public about the agriculture industry in Iowa,” said Strohbehn. By working with individuals, organizations, agencies and educational institutions she will bring new perspectives to agricultural education.

Her programming will focus on educating Iowans on the social values related to livestock production, environmental, soil and water conservation issues, as well as the importance of sharing the road. She also will assist producers on effectively educating consumers, youth and neighbors on ways food safety is ensured throughout production processes.

“I am looking forward to telling the agriculture story. We have a powerful message to share -- a message that is becoming more and more important to share with consumers as fewer and fewer people are directly involved in agriculture,” she said. “Northwest Iowa has rich traditions in agriculture, and I’m looking forward to continuing that strong tradition through my work with producers and consumers.”

Strohbehn comes into the position with a master’s degree in agricultural education from Iowa State University, several years of experience working with ISU Extension and Outreach, and extensive 4-H beef production and horticulture project experiences. In her new role she will assist with initiating a Young Farmer program and expanding the Ag Citing program for school age youth.

“I am excited to work with Kaye and the four counties in Northwest Iowa to improve the communications and knowledge about the role of agriculture in rural communities – to help consumers better understand food production,” said John Lawrence, Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension director.

Strohbehn can be contacted at the Sioux County Extension office in Orange City by calling 712 737-4230 or emailing kestroh@iastate.edu.